GB Technique : Escaping The Worst Position in Jiu-jitsu

This week on Gracie Barra Blog we are looking at some techniques for escaping the back mount by some of Gracie Barra’s most experienced Black Belt Instructors from Gracie Barra schools throughout the GB Network.
If the strongest, most dominant position you can get against an opponent is the back mount, then it must follow that the most difficult (and important) escapes are from the back mount.
Your opponent has all of their offensive weapons pointed towards you and all of your weapons are directed away from your safe opponent. Furthermore, the Rear Naked Choke RNC – is the most deadly submission in MMA and sport Jiu-Jitsu. You must have a solid plan to deal with being caught in back mount position.
Want to Up Your Takedown Game? Check out: GB2 Online Takedowns – by Henrique Machado
Let’s take a look at some back escapes as taught by top Gracie Barra black belt instructors.
1) Self-Defense Jiu-Jitsu : Rear Choke Escape
Let’s begin with how to escape a common self defense situation: your opponent has surprised you and has locked their arms around our neck in a RNC.

2) Bridging Back Mount Escape
Prof. Jefferson from GB Matriz shows how to escape the back mount by bridging back and removing the hooks. Note how Prof. Jefferson never forgets to defend his neck the entire time.

3) Sliding Out Bottom Back Mount Escape
In some ways, this is the opposite strategy of the previous bridging escape where Professor Bryan Waltz demonstrates the “Scoop Defense.”

4) Back Escape / Defesa do ataque das costas
The difference in this variation is that you don’t settle to get back to half guard, instead reversing your position and going to the top position. This is a MUST KNOW escape!

5) Defending the Mata Leao Choke to Foot Lock
There are not many offensive options from back mount bottom – but Prof. Mark has a trick up his sleeve for a foot lock submission.

See also on Gracie Barra : GB Technique : Attacking the Turtle
Credits: Mark Mullen
Gracie Barra Black belt based in Asia